In this post on the language of football, we explain the meaning of the verb phrase, ‘to stand up the ball’. This is a phrase connected with the skill of passing. If you have questions or comments, email us at: admin@languagecaster.com.
Football Language: To stand (the ball up)
To stand up usually describes the action of standing from a sitting position, but this verb phrase, ‘to stand the ball up‘ has a different meaning. It means to cross the ball, usually from outside the box, perhaps from the wing. The cross is floated, that means not hit hard and flat, but hit up high with a delicate kick. It also includes the meaning of a cross that is a good one for an attacking player to head, so you often hear, stand the ball up at the back post. The ball is crossed high, over the defenders and goalkeeper where a striker can nod home.
Example: Palace win a corner, which is stood up to the back post, where Dann is completely unmarked. He heads back across goal… (Telegraph, minute-by-minute, April 2019)
Related Terms
Check out our glossary of footballing phrases here. If you have any suggestions or questions, contact us at admin@languagecaster.com
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